Holocaust victims' attorney Fagan should be disbarred, counsel says

A special ethics counsel has recommended the disbarment of Edward D. Fagan, a Morris Plains attorney who made an international name for himself when he filed the first lawsuit against Swiss banks on behalf of Holocaust victims in 1996.

The recommendation was made to the state Office of Attorney Ethics by retired Superior Court Judge Arthur Minuskin, who guided a series of hearings that took more than two years to complete. The OAE had charged that Fagan mishandled almost $400,000 in client funds, including money from two Holocaust survivors.

The disbarment effort still has a long way to go. Deputy Ethics Counsel John McGill said today the case moves to the state Disciplinary Review Board for a second review. The panel will then make its own recommendation to the state Supreme Court, which will make the final decision on the future of Fagan's long law career. McGill said he expects the high court would make a decision by the end of the year.

Fagan is no longer practicing in New Jersey. His lawsuit against Swiss banks grew into a massive federal class action and the attorney eventually helped secure a $1.25 billion settlement for more than 30,000 Holocaust victims around the world. He parlayed that achievement into a career representing victims around the world.